Business, international

Profile: Nick Pasricha of Ernst & Young

Article Abstract:

Ernst & Young national head of corporate finance Nick Pasricha separates his time between management and deals, with management getting up to 70% of his attention. Pasricha was closely involved in the 1.04 billion pounds sterling institutional buyout of Netherland-based Kappa Packing. He joined Ernst & Young in 1972, working on many of the firm's largest deals through the years. Sainsbury's 290 million pounds sterling purchase of Texas Homecare was one of his favourite deals because of his involvement at all levels of the takeover process.

A tale of more than two deals

Article Abstract:

The failure of the planned mergers of Ciba Specialty Chemical and Clariant and of Alusuisse Lonza and Viag should not be interpreted as a negative sign about the Swiss merger and acquisition market as a whole. Switzerland continues to be an attractive location for acquisitive companies because of its political and economic stability and the fact that its per capita income is the highest of any industrial country. Switzerland benefits from a wide base of business sectors, most of which are currently subject to global consolidation.

Secure in the knowledge

Article Abstract:

Security company, Orbis, is the market leader in protecting systems for vacant premises. Orbis fits steel screens and doors to prevent vandalism and theft. There is also an alarm system fitted and a warden who removes the screens and investigates any alarms which are activated. The company bought Sitex for 15 million pounds sterling, and Mercury Private Equity (MPE), which bought over Sitex, now owns 27.5% of Orbis. Oribis was attracted to Sitex' business in France, Germany and the Netherlands.